The three whys of Makar Sakranti answered

Jan 12, 2017

Even the warmest of the woolens cease to provide resistance to the gust of soft breeze that revamps into a cold wild beast with the tick of the clock as winters are in power. But the time to dethrone winters is here. Naked trees are once again ready to be adorned with green leaves embellished with different shades of buds. The deceased garden is ready to come into life whilst echoing the honeyed chirps of birds. Makar Sankranti is one such festival that celebrates the homecoming of spring thereby waving goodbye to winters. The skies are ready to showcase a kaleidoscopic fest of colors with kites hovering above in their full glory. Here are the three why's that strike people very often when they hear of this festival.

WHY THE NAME MAKAR SAKRANTI?

Makar Sankranti is celebrated on a fixed date annually because of the sole reason that unlike lunar calendar which is often sought for other festivals, it follows solar calendar. ‘Makar' translates to Capricorn, the tenth zodiac sign and ‘Sankranti' explains transition. So, on this day the sun ascends from Sagittarius, the ninth zodiac sign to Capricorn, the tenth one. Makar Sankranti marks the terminus point of winter solstice in the northern hemisphere and it falls on equinox when day span is equal to the night span.

WHY KHICHDI AND TIL KE LADDOO ARE PREPARED ON THIS DAY?

Makar Sankranti is a festival of growth and prosperity. So, to ceremonialize this auspicious occasion khichdi is prepared with seasonal crops that hit the market with the commencement of this festival. Khichdi is poured into vessels to overflow its boundaries and it is believed that the direction in which the khichdi overflows is usually the one from which all the good luck would flow in. Til ke ladoo are also prepared on this day. It is postulated that til is exuded from the body of lord Vishnu and the respective soul of the person who ingests til on this day is thoroughly cleansed and sanctified.

WHY PEOPLE WEAR BLACK ON THIS DAY?

As mentioned earlier that the sun starts to ascend on this day thereby stumping winters therefore it is considered as the last day of the fierce and cold winters and is often the coolest day. So, scientifically attires of black color are worn by both the men and women segments as black absorbs all wavelengths of light and convert them into heat whilst reflecting none. Traditionally black color was won as a symbol of battle against evil for Makar Sankranti also emblematizes growth and new beginnings.

People offer prayers as Makar Sakranti is a festival of abundance. All the things that were slayed by the winters come into being once again. So, let this pious and auspicious festival of Makar Sakranti infuse courage in you so that you fight the evil and grow to stride towards the never ending light.

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